Helen Pryke

Morgana Innocenti is born on 1 November 1599 in Italy on cursed ground in the Grove and is one of a long line of healers. As secrets are revealed within the family, Morgana finds herself with no option other than to get married to protect their name. Rumours start to emerge about the arrival of English witch hunters and Morgana soon finds herself in fear of her daughter’s life as well as her own.

The Healer’s Betrayal is the fourth book in the Healer series. I haven’t read the previous three books but can confirm that this one can be read as a stand alone. However, as I enjoyed The Healer’s Betrayal I do intend to read the others! It’s a well written story and had me gripped from beginning to end. I loved the idea of the Grove with its healing plants and dragonflies. It definitely had a mystical quality. It’s also quite harrowing at times and can be difficult to read but the dragonflies are never far away, they are a symbol of hope in this story. With its interesting characters and imaginative plot line, it drew me in and kept my attention throughout. A captivating and moving read.… (mais)

What an amazing journey! I’ve seen how detrimental life can be when a person carries an unspoken secret. The chain wraps tighter around the heart, squeezing until the person is a broken shell. I know of many families who do not believe in unburdening the soul. Secrets are meant to be swept under the carpet. What these families don’t realize is history tends to repeat itself. Instead of coming to terms and learning from previous generations, families are doomed to quietly make the same mistakes again and again. Unfortunately, Jennifer unknowingly is part of said family.

Everyone has a coping mechanism. Some are healthy and productive, such as gardening and writing, while others are harmful and self-destructive. Turning towards alcohol and overeating are the easiest ways to mask the inner turmoil. As many of us may already know, easy is never better.

At odds with her daughter’s behavior, Angela highly encourages Jennifer to holiday in Italy. At first, I was hesitant. Isn’t Italy known for its wine and grappa? Not the best place for an alcoholic, but her maternal roots would be there to keep her safe.

I immediately fell in love with the ancient cottage and surrounding gardens. To feel enveloped in the warmth of her ancestor’s love – to know she was being watched over and protected… the pinnacle of peacefulness. I felt at ease in the Grove. It was difficult not to sense the generations of energy, that of love, fear, concern, and worry, wafting by in the breeze and manifesting in the herbs and fruit trees. A broken soul could easily find comfort and be healed by the magic.

I loved reading this story. I loved the realism of the characters. A strong female doesn’t always have to be strong. Nobody is perfect. I cannot wait to read the continuation of the Innocenti family.
… (mais)

What an amazing journey! I’ve seen how detrimental life can be when a person carries an unspoken secret. The chain wraps tighter around the heart, squeezing until the person is a broken shell. I know of many families who do not believe in unburdening the soul. Secrets are meant to be swept under the carpet. What these families don’t realize is history tends to repeat itself. Instead of coming to terms and learning from previous generations, families are doomed to quietly make the same mistakes again and again. Unfortunately, Jennifer unknowingly is part of said family.

Everyone has a coping mechanism. Some are healthy and productive, such as gardening and writing, while others are harmful and self-destructive. Turning towards alcohol and overeating are the easiest ways to mask the inner turmoil. As many of us may already know, easy is never better.

At odds with her daughter’s behavior, Angela highly encourages Jennifer to holiday in Italy. At first, I was hesitant. Isn’t Italy known for its wine and grappa? Not the best place for an alcoholic, but her maternal roots would be there to keep her safe.

I immediately fell in love with the ancient cottage and surrounding gardens. To feel enveloped in the warmth of her ancestor’s love – to know she was being watched over and protected… the pinnacle of peacefulness. I felt at ease in the Grove. It was difficult not to sense the generations of energy, that of love, fear, concern, and worry, wafting by in the breeze and manifesting in the herbs and fruit trees. A broken soul could easily find comfort and be healed by the magic.

I loved reading this story. I loved the realism of the characters. A strong female doesn’t always have to be strong. Nobody is perfect. I cannot wait to read the continuation of the Innocenti family.… (mais)